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ZEISS DTI thermal imaging cameras. For more discoveries at night, and during the day.

Novice seeking advice (1 Viewer)

tom baxter

Well-known member
I am interested in purchasing a camera to photograph wildlife, primarily birds. To my understanding, having a 300-400mm lens should allow me to capture action shots of birds.

I have been reading up on this forum and learning about other people's camera+lens combos. I really like the Canon EF 5.6/L. It is an expensive lens and I would not be able to buy a housing of equal price range.

Feel free to comment on any of the above information, but I have a few more specific questions:

1. Is it reasonable to consider buying an inexpensive housing and using it with a lens that costs significantly more. For example using a Canon Rebel XS that I see online for only $400 (USD) with the EF 5.6L that I see for $1339 (USD).

2. I understand that cameras have a life expectancy, but I do not know how to evaluate whether or not a used housing OR lens is a good value. Can anyone lend me some pointers to dealing with used equipment?

Thank you very much!
 
Regarding question 1 - you'll definitely get better results with a great lens on an average body, than the other way round.
 
The Canon 400mm L f5.6 is an excellent lens.

For camera body I think you would get a lot more from the Canon T2i (also called 550). I'm sure you can pick up a used one for $400 or less.
 
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